Monasteries of the Judean Desert Private Tour

Duration7h - 8h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

It's a full day tour with a private guide focusing on the only 4 remaining monasteries that still exist in the Judean desert from the 4th century. You will enjoy the view of the desert and amazingly built monasteries and you will leave about the history and the culture region as well as the history and the stories behind these monasteries.

What's included

Bottled water
Pickup from Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint or your hotel inside Bethlehem
Air-conditioned vehicle
Visit of 4 monasteries

Lunch
Gratuities
Cable car fees
Public transportation to the meeting point

What to expect

Mar Saba Monastery
1h 30m

Your guide will meet you at Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint and you will drive to the largest monastery in the Jerusalem Wilderness, Mar Saba Monastery dates back to the fifth century AD and perches amid the southern cliffs of the Kidron Creek. Founded by Saint Sabas (Mar Saba in Arabic), it’s been extensively expanded and fortified over the years. Please note: women are not allowed to enter the monastery. Everyone will enjoy a panoramic view of the site, but only men will be allowed to go inside and tour the monastery.
1h 30m

Women should dress modestly and bring a scarf to ensure admission to St. George’s Monastery.

Continue our drive drive for around 40 minutes to St. George’s Monastery in Wadi Qelt. Along the way, you’ll pass by various religious sites: St. Theodosius’ Monastery, where the wise men hid from Herod the Great after they visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, and al-Eizariya, which many believe to be Lazarus’ Bethany village.

Stroll a short way down Qelt Valley to reach the monastery, which dates back to the fourth century, when monks first settled in the desert. The site was where the Prophet Elijah was fed by ravens.
15m · Admission ticket not included

Drive to visit Jericho, the lowest and the oldest city on earth. In Jericho we will take the cable car to reach Mount of Temptation and then walk the monastery.
Mount of Temptation Monastery
1h

After taking the cable car up to Mount of Temptation, you will walk to the Monastery of the Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:8). The cave inside the monastery is where Jesus had fasted and meditated for forty days and nights (Matthew 4:2). From the cable car, you will be able to see the ancient Jericho archaeological site.
1h

The Monastery of St Gerasimos / Deir Hajla, was Founded by St Gerasimus in 455AD, this Greek Orthodox Monastery is one of the oldest in Palestine. The history of the Monastery is also closely linked to other Christian narratives. Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus were believed to have found refuge in a cave here during their flight from Herod. An underground chapel was built on the spot where tradition has it the Holy Family spent the night.
Bethlehem
Pass by

One hour drive back from Jericho to Bethlehem and drop off by Bethlehem 300 Checkpoint where the tour ends.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Once you get off the bus or the taxi, walk through the checkpoint building (Follow the sign) to cross to Bethlehem's side where I'll meet you. Everyone there is either crossing to Bethlehem or coming from Bethlehem so it's easy to find your way. You can always ask anyone for help if you need it.

End point

Once you get off the bus or the taxi, walk through the checkpoint building (Follow the sign) to cross to Bethlehem's side where I'll meet you. Everyone there is either crossing to Bethlehem or coming from Bethlehem so it's easy to find your way. You can always ask anyone for help if you need it.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (3)